Best Chili in San Antonio – Must-Try Local Spots
What Makes San Antonio Chili So Special?
San Antonio has a long history with chili that dates back over a century. In the late 1800s, San Antonio was a melting pot of Mexican, Spanish, German, and Southern influences. This blend of cultures helped create distinctive regional chili recipes:
- The use of dried chiles, onions, garlic, cumin, and oregano reflect Mexican and Spanish flavors.
- European immigrants like the Germans contributed their meat-centric cuisine.
- The city’s Southern roots can be seen in the use of beef, tomatoes, and beans.
Over generations, these diverse influences combined to form an iconic San Antonio-style chili. It tends to be meaty and intensely flavored, often featuring chunks of beef simmered in a rich, spicy gravy. Locals take pride in their time-honored chili recipes and traditions.
The Best Traditional Texas Red Chili
For an authentic taste of Texas Red, here are top traditional chili joints in San Antonio:
The Original Blanco Cafe
This old-school diner has served classic Texas Red chili since 1929. Their recipe features chunks of beef cooked with traditional chili gravy containing chili powder, garlic, cumin, and oregano. The chili is mildly spicy with a deep, hearty flavor.
Franklin Barbecue
While known for their legendary brisket, Franklin Barbecue also serves up fantastic chili. It’s made with coarse-ground beef, onions, and just the right amount of seasoning for a classic chili taste. Get it on the side with your barbecue plate.
Alamo Cafe
This cafeteria-style spot is a local favorite for chili. Their Texas-style chili comes loaded with quality Angus beef simmered in homemade chili sauce. The flavor is well-balanced, rich, and delicious.
Best Gourmet Chili
For elevated chili creations made with unique ingredients, try these gourmet options:
Brophy Bros Restaurant
Brophy Bros serves creative chili recipes like Tequila Lime Chili made with sirloin, tequila, and lime. There’s also Green Chili & Chicken Chili Verde, made with tomatillos, poblanos, and chicken. Their constantly changing chili menu has something new to try with each visit.
The Luxury
High-end restaurant The Luxury gives chili a gourmet twist with options like Chili Chocolate Stout featuring beef simmered in chocolate stout. Their Elk Chili Colorado is a signature dish, with velvety elk meat chili andMexican cocoa. It’s some of the best gourmet chili in town.
Boulevardier
This modern French-American restaurant puts a unique spin on chili with their Short Rib Chili Bourguignon. It’s made with red wine-braised short ribs, root vegetables, white beans, and bourbon. The flavors blend together beautifully for a chili unlike any other.
Best Green Chili
For those who enjoy a fresh, vegetal chili flavor, San Antonio’s green chili options deliver:
Tomatillo’s Cafe y Cantina
Stop by this hip Mexican spot for their famous Green Chili Chicken Soup. It’s loaded with spicy Hatch green chilis, herby cilantro pesto, zesty lime, and pulled chicken. The bright green chili base is creamy yet packed with flavor.
La Fonda on Main
Their signature Green Chili Pork Stew simmers pork shoulder in a rich broth made with Hatch green chilis and tomatillos. It’s finished with a flavorful pinch of cumin. The stew highlights the intense green chili flavor beautifully.
Las Palapas
For amazing seafood green chili, try Las Palapas. Their Shrimp Chili Verde combines plump shrimp with a bright sauce of squash, jalapeños, and plenty of green chili heat. It’s full of Mexican flavor.
Top Spots for Chili Con Carne
When you’re craving hearty chili con carne, these classics hit the spot:
Chili Queens Chili
Named for San Antonio’s historic chili queens, this place masters classic chili con carne. Their Texas-style chili contains fatty brisket meat cooked down to tender with tomatoes, chili powder, beans, and a touch of beer. It’s bold, hearty comfort food.
Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse
For chili with a barbecue twist, Augie’s delivers. Their Texas Red Smoked Brisket Chili features house-smoked brisket and bacon in a tomato-based chili gravy. It’s simultaneously smoky and meaty.
Hill Country Restaurant
This homey restaurant serves Hill Country Chili made according to an old family recipe. It contains ground beef, pinto beans, and veggies cooked in chili powder and chipotle seasoning. Their chili is reliably rich, savory, and satisfying.
How to Find the Best Chili in San Antonio for You
With such an array of delicious options, how do you choose where to get the best chili in San Antonio? Here are a few tips:
- Consider the chili style you’re craving, whether classic Texas Red, spicy green chili, or hearty chili con carne.
- Check out local favorites if you want an authentic taste of San Antonio-style chili.
- For an elevated dining experience, try the gourmet chili recipes at upscale restaurants.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for chili recommendations from locals who know the food scene.
- Browse chili reviews online to spot places with exceptional chili mentioned repeatedly.
With so many excellent chili spots to choose from, you really can’t go wrong in San Antonio. Just follow your tastes to find that perfect bowl of chili to warm your soul.
